DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Climate, Wellbeing, & Inclusion

Programming

• Basic mediation course (182 administrators, faculty, & staff) • Aggie Ally (60+ faculty and staff) • Question, Persuade, & Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention training for faculty, staff, and students • DVM Student Wellness Cart • Yoga classes • Stress Reduction & Management • Community service projects • College Diversity Committee (C-IDEA) • Publication of extensive wellbeing resources

Inclusive Facilities

• 28 gender neutral bathrooms • Four lactation rooms • VBEC Exercise Room

Student Programs

DVM Students

• 4 MOA Texas A&M System partnerships • 2+2 DVM program at VERO • Food Animal Track developed to serve rural Texas communities • Diversity scholarships

Graduate students

• Graduate Diversity Fellows • Diversity PhD Scholarships • Graduate program extends communication and conflict management trainings • New Graduate Program at VERO

BIMS undergraduate students

• 17 BIMS 2+2 community college programs • New BIMS degree in McAllen and first-generation students • High number of URM students

Diversity is a cornerstone value of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS), an award-winning college, that both leads and collaborates in regards to climate, equity, and inclusion. A diverse and inclusive environment is essential for preparing veterinary leaders with an intentional, open, and global perspective. The CVMBS affirms diversity both broadly and specifically, and our community aims to be representative of our ever-changing state and nation. In order to maintain and grow our commitment, the CVMBS has developed a Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Plan.

The CVMBS received 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, one of only two veterinary programs to receive the award for five consecutive years. This award is a national honor recognizing U.S. health profession schools that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, assessed by national non-veterinary peers.

Other notable highlights include faculty and students completing the Purdue Diversity Certificate Program, two CVMBS Excellence in D&I faculty and staff awards, national leadership in diversity and inclusion initiatives, publication of a monthly D&I Digest, and completion of a staff climate white paper and qualitative data collection.

C-IDEA committee